Coping with Ethical Uncertainty

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Published: Oct 4, 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13153/diam.53.0.1105
Keywords:
uncertainty decision theory probability probability of frequency plausibility plausibilistic expectation utility expected utility Kant

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John R. Welch
Saint Louis University, Department of Philosophy

Abstract

Most ethical decisions are conditioned by formidable uncertainty. Decision makers may lack reliable information about relevant facts, the consequences of actions, and the reactions of other people. Resources for dealing with uncertainty are available from standard forms of decision theory, but successful application to decisions under risk requires a great deal of quantitative information: point-valued probabilities of states and point-valued utilities of outcomes. When this information is not available, this paper recommends the use of a form of decision theory that operates on a bare minimum of information inputs: comparative plausibilities of states and comparative utilities of outcomes. In addition, it proposes a comparative strategy for dealing with second-order uncertainty. The paper illustrates its proposal with reference to a well-known ethical dilemma: Kant’s life-saving lie.

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How to Cite
Welch, John R. 2017. “Coping With Ethical Uncertainty”. Diametros, no. 53 (October):150-66. https://doi.org/10.13153/diam.53.0.1105.
Issue
No. 53 (2017)
Section
Ethics and Uncertainty

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Author Biography

John R. Welch, Saint Louis University, Department of Philosophy

John R. Welch, PhDSaint Louis University - Madrid CampusDepartment of PhilosophyAvenida del Valle, 3428003 MadridSpain

E-mail: jwelch7@slu.edu

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